Michael J. Bodyke
Michael Bodyke is a criminal defense attorney with extensive felony trial experience, appellate writing credentials, and deep roots in Northern Ohio.
As a former felony prosecutor and private practitioner, Michael brings courtroom-tested advocacy, disciplined preparation, and a client-focused approach to every case he handles.
My Story
Michael knew from a young age that he wanted to become a criminal defense attorney. He pursued that goal by attending The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, drawn by its strong criminal law program and emphasis on practical advocacy. While in law school, Michael supplemented his coursework through research focused on criminal sentencing and by clerking in private practice, where he gained early exposure to felony and DUI defense work.
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After graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael entered public service as an Assistant County Prosecutor and was promoted to a felony docket within his first month. In that role, he managed a full felony caseload, tried more than fifteen felony jury trials, handled multiple bench trials, and developed experience across all stages of criminal litigation. He also gained appellate experience by writing and arguing multiple criminal appeals and developed practical courtroom judgment through consistent work in a high-volume felony courtroom.
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Following several years in public service, Michael transitioned to private practice, where he founded his own criminal defense firm in the greater Columbus area. During his time in private practice, he managed more than seventy criminal cases, successfully tried cases to acquittal, negotiated numerous dismissals, and built a reputation for strong trial advocacy and results-driven representation. While he values criminal defense work deeply, Michael learned that his strengths are best applied in the courtroom rather than in the administrative demands of running a business, leading him to seek a collaborative, trial-focused practice environment.
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Michael was raised in Bellevue, Ohio, and maintains strong ties throughout Sandusky and Northern Ohio. His family has deep roots in the area, and many of his personal and professional relationships remain within close proximity to the region. These connections, combined with his statewide courtroom experience, give Michael both local perspective and broad legal insight.
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​​​Education.
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The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Juris Doctor, May 2020
• Mock Trial Team Member
• Editor, Criminal Law Journal
• President, St. Thomas More Society
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Heidelberg University
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Scholar-Athlete Award, Varsity Football
• Public Law Semester – Washington, D.C.
• Spanish Study Semester – Barcelona, Spain
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